Megadeth / Heaven and Hell Concert Review

I attended the Machinehead, Megadeth and Heaven and Hell show on Tuesday night at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I got to the venue at about 7:30, and Machinehead was already off the stage, so I was a little bummed about that, but that was the ONLY disappointment on this night.

Mustaine and company came out and set the stage on fire. Former Eidolon, and King Diamond guitarist. Glen Drover was trading the lead and rhythm guitar rolls with Dave Mustaine. Both Dave and Glen were awesome. Mustaine didn’t waste a whole lot of time talking since they only had a short set, and they fired off as many of their hit songs as they could in a 45 minute set. I didn’t keep track of the whole set list, but they did play, Peace Sells, Symphony of Destruction, Holy Wars, and Washington is Next off the upcoming album United Abominations. Drummer Shawn Drover pounded his drums with unrelenting mercy, and Mustaine played the hell out of his multiple flying V’s in this show. As a whole Megadeth was a fantastic opener, but even they did not prepare me for the ear ringing that I am experiencing today.

Black Sabbath, or if you prefer, Heaven and Hell, hit the stage around 9 p.m. , and quite frankly, blew me away!

Ronnie James Dio was in fine vocal form and truly sang his ass off. I have seen Dio in his solo band a few times over the years, but I noticed something last night that I have never truly seen before. Dio was extremely charismatic, and seemed to be enjoying what he was doing more so than I have ever noticed before. It blows my mind that Dio, who is estimated to be 65 years old, can still sing at this incredible level, and perform and move around on stage like a lot of the 20 something singers today. Dio was amazing Tuesday night, and his performance alone was worth the price of admission. Dio had the whole arena singing along to Heaven and Hell and was completely jazzed by the crowd’s participation all night. I guess I should mention that this was my first Black Sabbath show, so I have never had the pleasure of seeing Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler or Vinnie Appice live.

I can only say that I regret not catching them before now, but will catch them anytime they come near my home.

I have to give credit where credit is due, and Tony Iommi was so good, words can not due this man’s playing justice. His guitar licks were simply outstanding all night, and I really got a kick out of watching him play. Geezer Butler’s bass rumbled the hell out of the concrete floor beneath my feet. Vinnie Appice, had one of the coolest drum kit’s, I think I have ever seen. His drum solo, and playing in general was fantastic.

Heaven and Hell played for 2 hours and played most of the big tracks fromthe CD’s Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules, Dehumanizer, and a couple of new tracks off of the Black Sabbath: The Dio Years CD.

The stage set for Black Sabbath was sort of a medieval looking castle back drop, but the lighting and other surprises were very cool.

In closing, The Heaven and Hell tour has amazing sights and sounds to behold. This was one of the top metal concerts I have ever seen (and I have been to many). If you go to one concert this year, you really need to check this one out. You will not be disappointed!

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you still never saw black sabbath….black sabbath was ozzy iomi ward and butler you saw a whole different band don’t mistake me, heaven and hell is a great band but they should be recognized for themselves…looking forward to there upcomming cleveland gig

I got dragged to the heaven and hell concert in march. and it was like watching a bunch of true Metal Gods. I wanted to blow Tony iommi and ronnie boy’s cock cock right on the stage. My grandmother wanted to join me. I am going to burn all of my Maroon 5, Nelly Furtado, Fallout Boy and My Chemical Romance CD’s. They Fucking Suck. – Josh Gowda